Tower rescue emergency module

Abstract

An emergency rescue system for installation on tall buildings comprising an especially designed vertical rail on which a cab module moves up and down, propelled by a lightweight motor. The cab can hold over 1,000 pounds (e.g. six to seven persons). By itself, the cab weighs about 200 pounds and can be operated by a single person, is capable of moving very quickly, and preferably utilizes a small gasoline propelled engine.

1 . A rescue shuttle system for emergency rescue operations at a multi-story building comprising a vertical rail adapted for mounting on the outer face of a multi-story building upon which a shuttle cab is deployed to rapidly move up and down the vertical rail and propelled thereon by a small lightweight motor controllably engaging the vertical rail and operated by a single person; wherein the cab is configured to carry the operator and one or more passengers or rescue transport gear and is capable of moving expeditiously under emergency conditions. 
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of shuttles are permanently installed on various sides of a high-rise building 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the shuttle can accommodate at least 1,000 pounds. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the shuttle is configured to transport at least six passengers or rescue crew including personal equipment. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the shuttle is configured to accommodate a plurality of stretchers for injured or handicapped passengers and the shuttle operator. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the shuttle is configured to operate up to about 300 meters per minute. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein vertical rails and façade mounting anchors are made of aluminum and stainless steel components and fasteners. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the small lightweight motor is a 6.5 hp to 10 hp gas engine with a 12-volt electric starter. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein variable downward speed is adjusted and limited by gravity and a mechanical braking mechanism to adjust speed. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a strobe light automatically activated by an emergency alarm. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the shuttle is made from aluminum and stainless steel. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the shuttle engine further comprises a manual starter. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the shuttle and its drive mechanism are engaged by a shaft gear and a complementary vertical rail gear bar. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the shuttle is further comprised of a plurality of wheels for deploying the shuttle at the vertical rail or removing the shuttle from the vertical rail for storage. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the shuttle is attached to the vertical rail by a jaw mechanism that opens, closes and locks the shuttle to the rail, and is further comprised of a safety latch. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a shaft clutch stop, disc brake and a controllable motor throttle. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the shuttle is equipped with a transmission, which is connected to the motor by a transmission chain, wherein the chain is attached to the motor by a centrifugal clutch and the chain is attached to a transmission gear wheel attached to a drive shaft. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the shuttle is capable of attaining a height in excess of 600 meters. 
     
     
         19 . A method for tower emergency rescue response process comprising the steps of:
 transporting an emergency shuttle to an area next to a vertical rail securely installed upon the façade of a multi-story building; deploying the shuttle on the vertical rail by engaging a drive mechanism; operating the shuttle toward a target by controlling throttle and ascent speed; continuing shuttle ascent until the target location is achieved; loading or unloading the shuttle of equipment or people at the target location; loading the shuttle at the target location with people or equipment requiring evacuation; operating the shuttle on the vertical rail by controlling descent to a safe location; stopping the shuttle at the safe location; unloading the shuttle at the safe location; and repeating the foregoing steps as required.